BRINED MAPLE TURKEY WITH CREAM GRAVY

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BRINED MAPLE TURKEY WITH CREAM GRAVY image

Categories     Poultry     Bake

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 24

BRINE:
8 quarts water
3/4 cup kosher salt
3/4 cup maple syrup
3 tablespoons black peppercorns
8 garlic cloves, crushed
1 lemon, thinly sliced
TURKEY:
1 (12-pound) fresh or thawed frozen turkey
1 cup cola
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme
1 tablespoon dried rubbed sage
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 garlic cloves, chopped
2 onions, quartered
Cooking spray
GRAVY:
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

  • To prepare brine, combine first 6 ingredients in a large stockpot, stirring until salt dissolves. To prepare turkey, remove and reserve giblets and neck from turkey. Rinse turkey with cold water; pat dry. Trim excess fat. Add turkey to pot, turning to coat. Cover and refrigerate 24 hours, turning occasionally. Preheat oven to 375°. Bring cola and 1/2 cup syrup to a boil in a small saucepan; cook 1 minute. Combine thyme, sage, seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Remove turkey from brine, discarding brine; pat dry. Starting at neck cavity, loosen skin from breast and drumsticks by inserting fingers, gently pushing between skin and meat. Rub thyme mixture under loosened skin; sprinkle inside body cavity. Place 4 garlic cloves and onions in body cavity. Tie ends of legs together with twine. Lift wing tips up and over back; tuck under turkey. Place turkey on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Insert a meat thermometer into meaty part of a thigh, making sure not to touch bone. Bake at 375° for 45 minutes. Pour cola mixture over turkey; cover with foil. Bake an additional 1 hour and 45 minutes or until thermometer registers 180°. Remove turkey from pan, reserving drippings for gravy. Place turkey on a platter. Cover loosely with foil; let stand 10 minutes. Remove twine. Discard skin. To prepare gravy, while turkey bakes, combine reserved giblet and neck and the broth in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 45 minutes. Strain mixture through a colander into a bowl, discarding solids, and skimming fat. Add broth mixture. Place broiler pan on stovetop over medium heat, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Combine milk and cornstarch in a small bowl, stirring well with a whisk; add to pan. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Strain gravy, stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

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